Atlas Copco, a leader in compressed air and low-pressure technologies, is helping wastewater treatment plants tackle one of their biggest energy challenges: aeration.
With a wide range of oil‑free air blower solutions, the company enables operators to improve efficiency, reduce costs and meet stricter environmental standards while ensuring reliable, compliant performance.
Aeration, which is the process of supplying oxygen to bacteria that break down organic matter, is essential for effective biological treatment. However, it is also one of the most energy-intensive processes in a plant. Small improvements in blower efficiency can therefore have a major impact on operational costs and environmental performance.
“Our focus is helping operators select solutions that deliver on efficiency, reliability and compliance,” said Nick Drull, Atlas Copco’s Low-Pressure Specialist for Water and Wastewater.
“Modern air blowers are not just about moving air, they are about helping wastewater utilities meet their operational goals, reduce energy consumption and ensure consistent treatment outcomes. With energy costs continuing to rise, the benefits are tangible.”
Atlas Copco offers a broad range of blower technologies designed specifically for wastewater applications, including rotary screw, high-speed turbo and lobe blowers.
“Unlike turbo blowers, screw blowers offer a superior turndown ratio, seamlessly adjusting to a plant’s fluctuating flow demands,” said Drull.
Each unit delivers 100 per cent oil‑free air, meeting ISO 8573‑1 Class 0 certification. This is particularly critical for wastewater treatment, where any oil contamination could disrupt the biological process and risk non-compliance.
“We guarantee that no oil contaminates the water to ensure clean air for efficient oxygen transfer. All our oil-free air blower technologies are designed to offer quality air and maximum uptime, safeguarding treatment performance,” Drull said.
Energy efficiency is central to the design of these systems. Many Atlas Copco blowers feature Variable Speed Drive technology, allowing airflow to precisely match real-time aeration demand. Operators can achieve electricity savings of up to 30 to 35 per cent compared to older or fixed-speed systems. Beyond cost savings, this flexibility reduces mechanical wear, lowers maintenance requirements, and extends equipment lifespan, all key considerations for utilities managing tight budgets and ageing assets.
“Cutting down on electricity costs is crucial, especially with soaring energy prices. By switching to more energy-efficient blowers, utilities can slash operational expenses while significantly reducing carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future,” said Drull.
Noise and odour are additional factors that modern wastewater plants must manage. Atlas Copco blowers are engineered for quiet, low-vibration operation, helping reduce environmental complaints from nearby communities while supporting smoother plant operations.
“Selecting the right blower technology is not just a technical decision; it’s a strategic one. Operators need equipment that can adapt to fluctuating loads, integrate with existing systems, and deliver predictable, cost-effective performance over decades. That’s what our portfolio is designed to achieve,” Drull said.
“We take a close look at things like climatic conditions, optimal flow rate and air pressure before determining the best option for our customers.”
In a sector where energy costs, environmental standards, and operational expectations are all rising simultaneously, Atlas Copco’s air blower solutions represent more than just hardware – they are a pathway to smarter, more sustainable wastewater treatment.
“For utilities looking to reduce energy consumption and improve operations, modern blower technology is a transformative tool. With our specialist expertise, technology-led innovation and proven reliability, Atlas Copco is helping wastewater operators drive measurable efficiency gains while delivering cleaner outcomes for their communities.”
For more information, visit www.atlascopco.com
This article appears in the March/April 2026 edition of Utility. Subscribe HERE.
